- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

- Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks outdoors.

- Check on loved ones and neighbors without air conditioning.

- Check on outside animals to make sure they have enough water and shade to make it through the hottest parts of the day.

These are all pretty simple, common-sense precautions that might seem second nature to some of us, but they can be life-saving to those who have to spend time outside during the heat of the south Louisiana summer.

If you know you have to cut the grass, try to do it early in the morning or early in the evening, hours when the heat is not quite as bad.

But do everything you can to avoid optional outdoors tasks altogether.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers in our extreme heat, and they can affect you suddenly. That is why it is vitally important to take extra caution with children and pets and to use cooperation with others to make sure we all stay safe.

Checking on neighbors and using a buddy system can be life-savers.

Everyone knows it is hot here in the summer. Really hot. We cannot avoid that fact of life. But we can take some easy measures to reduce the danger that heat poses to ourselves and our loved ones.

Stay safe out there.

Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.

<p>Anyone who has been outside during the day over the past week knows that summer has arrived in south Louisiana.</p><p>We enjoyed a mild spring that lingered longer than it usually does, but summer has gotten here.</p><p>That means many will have their air conditioners working overtime, but it also means an increase in the danger many of us face when working or playing outside.</p><p>You simply cannot always avoid the heat, but there are things you can do to eliminate some of the worst dangers it can pose to you, your kids and your pets.</p><p>According to the American Red Cross, these are some tips for dealing with the worst of the summer heat:</p><p>- Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.</p><p>- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty.</p><p>- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.</p><p>- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.</p><p>- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.</p><p>- Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks outdoors.</p><p>- Check on loved ones and neighbors without air conditioning.</p><p>- Check on outside animals to make sure they have enough water and shade to make it through the hottest parts of the day.</p><p>These are all pretty simple, common-sense precautions that might seem second nature to some of us, but they can be life-saving to those who have to spend time outside during the heat of the south Louisiana summer.</p><p>If you know you have to cut the grass, try to do it early in the morning or early in the evening, hours when the heat is not quite as bad.</p><p>But do everything you can to avoid optional outdoors tasks altogether.</p><p>Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers in our extreme heat, and they can affect you suddenly. That is why it is vitally important to take extra caution with children and pets and to use cooperation with others to make sure we all stay safe.</p><p>Checking on neighbors and using a buddy system can be life-savers.</p><p>Everyone knows it is hot here in the summer. Really hot. We cannot avoid that fact of life. But we can take some easy measures to reduce the danger that heat poses to ourselves and our loved ones.</p><p>Stay safe out there.</p><p>Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.</p>